Gaumukh -Tapovan- Nandanvan Trek

Day 1: Acclimatisation at Gangotri and preparation for permits

From Haridwar to Gangotri is a long and tiring road journey. Before starting the Tapovan Nandanvan Trek, rest for a day at Gangotri. It is a beautiful place, from where you can leisurely visit Chirbasa on the way to Gaumukh or spend some time at the Bhagirathi River. After the hustle and bustle of city life, Gangotri seems peaceful even amidst hundreds of pilgrims.

Day 2: Gangotri - Bhojwassa (3792 metres/12440 feet) (14 kms trek/5-6 hrs)

Today, after taking breakfast in the morning we will direct the trek further to Bhojwassa through Chirbasa (3600 metres). From Gangotri we will go ahead all along the flattened track heading towards Chirbasa, which is an adobe of the Chir trees. The entire trek today is beside the garrulous Bhagirathi River.

Ahead of Chirbasa the landscape becomes really barren. In fact, it is referred as Arctic Tundra by a few trekkers. From Chirbasa we will hike further to Bhojwassa, the on the way of the entire trail we pass through dense forest and reach at Bhojwassa. There is a small temple and a potential campsite situated near down beside the river. We will build our camp near the river side. Afternoon, time is free to explore the nearby region, spectacular surrounds and to take pleasure of incomparable sunset on the Bhagirathi Peak.

Day 3:-Bhojwassa - Gomukh (3890 mts/12760 ft) - Tapovan (4463 mts /14640 ft)

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Bhagirathi group of peaks. After having a wholesome breakfast trek to Gomukh (3890 metres) begins. Gomukh is the source of the Ganges; it is a place where the water of Ganga trickles downwards from the glaciers. The sages called it ‘Gomukh’, since in the distant ancient times; it possibly appeared like the mouth of a cow. Travel around and explore the region and begin the trail to Tapovan, one of the finest towering altitude alpine meadows with stunning backdrops in the area. The trek from Gomukh to Tapovan is precipitous gradient, and as we climb higher, the view of the surrounding crest becomes much more obvious. Tapovan is known for its stunning and extensive meadows with sparkling streams, and wild flowers. The base camp of the Shivling peak is surrounded by vast meadows and towering peaks. Tapovan is the base camp for various expeditions that includes Bhagirathi peak, Shivling peak, etc.

On the distant side of the glacier the Bhagirathi I, II, III (6454 metres), offer an impressive backdrop that you can sight during the train. It is also a place where saints and Sadhus come for absolute meditation during the summer season. Arrive at Tapovan and set up the camp. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in camps.

It is said that there is similarity between the Shivling and the Matterhorn peak in the Alps. Foreigners frequently use the name Matterhorn for Shivling.

Marco Pallis wrote of Shivling: Horried looking mountain with a striking resemblance to the Mattherhorn… beautiful alluring, hideously inaccessible.

Day 4:- Tapovan (4463 metres / 14640 feet)

On this day you are free to accustom yourself, relax and enjoy the fabulous views of the snow covered peaks, fauna, flora, and mountain landscape of the region and capture them in your cameras. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in the camps.

Day 5:- Tapovan - Nandanvan (Trek 4 to 5 hours)

On this day we will move forward to Nandanvan through the Gomukh glacier. The route from Tapovan passes from the upper section of the meadow till we reach downwards and on the glacier. From Gomukh glacier we will turn towards Nandanvan (4340 metres) and steering on the right one we will be reaching on the Gangotri glacier. The glacier is between the two ranges and the landslides make a stratum of rock-strewn moraine on the ice which perhaps makes the walking a little easier. The glacier hike is slippery and lack of attention would be risky. While on the trail you can see Massive crevasses en route gaped hither and thither. After we walk for about a kilometre there is a vertical ascent. Big rocks en route offer grip and foothold, but scores of them are illusory too. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in camps.

Day 6:-Nandanvan - Gangotri (Trek 5to6 hrs) - Uttarkashi

In the Morning after having wholesome breakfast we will hike downwards to Gangotri. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in hotel.

Day 7:-Gangotri-Haridwar (6-7 hr drive)

In the Morning after having wholesome breakfast we will drive back to Haridwar, and the package ends here.